PH 206

This course builds on the foundation provided by PH 115, in which we covered Earth history, geology, and atmospheric science. In PH 206, we will emphasize Earth surface processes, including glaciers, soil evolution, hydrology, and biogeochemical cycling. We will also consider the physical and societal context of environmental issues such as climate change, desertification, and pollution. One of the most important things I hope you will gain from this course is an appreciation of how properties of the Earth’s surface have a tremendous impact on human society. Towards the end of the course, you will integrate what you have learned about Earth systems science and human society by critically evaluation portions of the Pulitzer prize winning book Guns, Germs, and Steel: the Fates of Human Societies.

Course learning goals

Articulate the scientific explanation for global change issues such as climate change and sea level rise

Describe how environmental conditions influence human history

JCU academic learning goals

This course fulfills several of the university’s nine academic learning goals expected of all JCU students upon graduation, as well as the Biology department’s learning outcomes, including the ability to: